Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50
A late bloomer in Venezuela, Alzolay was nearly 18 when he signed in 2012 and commanded just a $10,000 bonus. He led the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League with a 1.07 ERA in his 2013 pro debut yet didn't really break out until four years later, when he emerged as Chicago's best prospect by the end of 2017. The Cubs expected him to contribute at the big league level last year but he made just eight starts before his season ended with a lat injury.
Alzolay improved once he added strength and started doing a better job of using his legs in his delivery. He now operates at 92-96 mph and can hit 98 with running action on his fastball. His curveball has gotten quicker as well and now sits in the low 80s with good depth.
In order to succeed as a starter in the Majors, Alzolay will need to improve a changeup that stands out more for its life than its deception. He never has had any difficulty throwing strikes and has been able to avoid giving up home runs despite his extreme flyball tendencies. The Cubs praise his makeup and work ethic and believe he eventually can settle into the middle of their rotation. Statcast - Pitching Season Pitches Batted Balls Barrels Barrel % Exit Velocity Launch Angle XBA XSLG WOBA XWOBA XWOBACON Hard Hit % K % BB % 2019 225 37 4 10.8 87.9 18.1 .263 .466 .387 .366 .407 37.8 21.7 15.0 ALL 225 37 4 10.8 87.9 18.1 .263 .466 .387 .366 .407 37.8 21.7 15.0 MLB 40553 6.3 87.5 11.2 .251 .412 .317 .318 .371 34.5 21.7 8.3 Transactions Team Date Transaction 09/30/2019 Chicago Cubs recalled RHP Adbert Alzolay from South Bend Cubs. 09/12/2019 South Bend Cubs activated RHP Adbert Alzolay. 09/09/2019 Chicago Cubs optioned RHP Adbert Alzolay to South Bend Cubs. 09/02/2019 Chicago Cubs recalled Adbert Alzolay from Iowa Cubs. 08/03/2019 Iowa Cubs activated RHP Adbert Alzolay from the 7-day injured list. 07/19/2019 Iowa Cubs placed RHP Adbert Alzolay on the 7-day injured list retroactive to July 18, 2019. 07/02/2019 Chicago Cubs optioned RHP Adbert Alzolay to Iowa Cubs. 06/20/2019 Chicago Cubs recalled Adbert Alzolay from Iowa Cubs. 05/16/2019 RHP Adbert Alzolay assigned to Iowa Cubs from Cubs Extended Spring Training. 05/15/2019 RHP Adbert Alzolay assigned to Cubs Extended Spring Training from Myrtle Beach Pelicans. 05/12/2019 RHP Adbert Alzolay assigned to Myrtle Beach Pelicans. 03/09/2019 Chicago Cubs optioned RHP Adbert Alzolay to Iowa Cubs. 10/03/2018 Chicago Cubs recalled Adbert Alzolay from Iowa Cubs. 09/21/2018 Iowa Cubs activated RHP Adbert Alzolay from the 7-day disabled list. 05/30/2018 Iowa Cubs placed RHP Adbert Alzolay on the 7-day disabled list. Lat strain. 04/20/2018 RHP Adbert Alzolay assigned to Iowa Cubs from Tennessee Smokies. 03/09/2018 Chicago Cubs optioned RHP Adbert Alzolay to Tennessee Smokies. 11/20/2017 Chicago Cubs selected the contract of Adbert Alzolay from Tennessee Smokies. 10/09/2017 RHP Adbert Alzolay assigned to Mesa Solar Sox. 09/19/2017 Tennessee Smokies activated RHP Adbert Alzolay from the 7-day disabled list. 08/23/2017 Tennessee Smokies placed RHP Adbert Alzolay on the 7-day disabled list. 08/20/2017 Tennessee Smokies activated RHP Adbert Alzolay from the 7-day disabled list. 08/16/2017 Tennessee Smokies placed RHP Adbert Alzolay on the 7-day disabled list. 07/06/2017 RHP Adbert Alzolay assigned to Tennessee Smokies from Myrtle Beach Pelicans. 04/04/2017 RHP Adbert Alzolay assigned to Myrtle Beach Pelicans from South Bend Cubs. 04/05/2016 RHP Adbert Alzolay assigned to South Bend Cubs from Eugene Emeralds. 06/17/2015 RHP Adbert Alzolay assigned to Eugene Emeralds from AZL Cubs. 10/07/2014 RHP Adbert Alzolay assigned to Leones del Caracas. 06/21/2014 RHP Adbert Alzolay assigned to AZL Cubs from Boise Hawks. 06/16/2014 RHP Adbert Alzolay assigned to Boise Hawks. 03/08/2013 Chicago Cubs signed free agent RHP Adbert Alzolay to a minor league contract.
